The family of the late Apostle Dr. Kwadwo Safo has publicly accused his daughter, Sarah Adwoa Safo, of preventing them from accessing his body. This dispute centers on the custody of the remains, not the burial date, and has prompted the family to consider legal action. Dr. Philip Siaw Kissi, Family Secretary of the Aduana (Kotoko) Royals of Essumeja, confirmed this development on Tuesday, July 28.
The family states that customary practice dictates they should have custody of the deceased's body for funeral arrangements. Dr. Siaw Kissi explained that Adwoa Safo handled the initial documentation at Transitions funeral home, which she is now allegedly using to block family access. This situation has left the family, including Apostle Safo's six other children, unable to view his remains since his passing.
This disagreement highlights a broader tension between modern legal processes and traditional Ghanaian customs regarding death and burial. In Ghana, family units, particularly the paternal lineage, traditionally hold significant authority over funeral rites. This ensures that cultural and spiritual protocols are observed, which are deeply ingrained in the social fabric. The current impasse could set a precedent for future disputes involving prominent figures where family traditions clash with individual actions.
Dr. Siaw Kissi stated on JoyNews Today that mediation efforts to resolve the matter internally have failed. He emphasized that the family is not opposed to working with others but insists on the respect of customary authority. He also mentioned unconfirmed allegations about external influences on Adwoa Safo, including prophecies concerning the burial and demands for parts of the body.
The family's decision to pursue legal intervention signals a potential escalation of this sensitive matter. The outcome will likely influence how similar disputes are handled in the future, particularly concerning the interplay between legal frameworks and traditional practices. Stakeholders, including the Kristo Asafo Mission, political actors, and traditional leaders, are urged to avoid taking sides until the family's concerns are addressed. The resolution of this conflict will be closely watched by those interested in the preservation of Ghanaian cultural heritage and legal precedent.
This situation could also impact the legacy of Apostle Dr. Kwadwo Safo, a revered figure known for his innovations and spiritual leadership. The family maintains that the funeral must proceed according to customary expectations, despite the ongoing disagreement. Financial concerns raised during earlier discussions are also part of the outstanding issues the family is prepared to resolve. The broader implication is a test of how Ghana's legal system navigates deeply rooted cultural norms in contemporary society.